Handsome Wood Duck Drake.

The male Wood Duck in full breeding plumage is arguably the most visually striking duck in North America. Here it was feeding on some spilled seeds near a feeder along with many Mallards. A bit skittish, I remained in my car for it to get over its' shyness and come closer. When it got out of the water and up the bank I was able to reposition my car for a better background. I was glad it took this posture any time I whistled (if you can call that a whistle:e3, but hey, it worked) as anything and everything under the frame was bad and dirty when it otherwise kept its head down to feed (dry vegetation, seed litter, pavement).

Canon 7D + 500mm f/4 II + 1.4TC, manual exposure, evaluative metering, 1/60s., f/7.1, ISO 800, natural light, handheld (lens resting on car window opening), full frame, repaired a black speck in the iris, NR to BG.

Daniel,

You patience paid off. The detail throughout is magnificent and I'm glad he got over his shyness.

Looks like you are pushing the limits with the shutter speed. 1/80 and now 1/60 ... 1/40 next? Great technique to get it his sharp.

Miguel

Beautiful bird and a beautiful picture. I wish we had them flying threw the Central Flyway. I have heard there has been a few spotted in Saskatchewan and seen a trail cam picture of one from up north so maybe they are expanding there territory!

Daniel Sir,
Marvelous portrait of handsome bird with magical colors.
Love the red eye and design on the chest.
Rest is as usual superb.

Regards,
Satish.

neat portrait of a regal looking duck.
terrific colours and detail make this very easy on the eye.

striking colors & details. excellent comp & BG.

Beautiful portrait of a handsome bird. I am amazed that the image is so sharp especially considering the low ss and resting on a bean bag, well done
Gen

Beautiful portrait of a stunning species. well worth the effort and the wait.

Killer colors and details, Daniel, including those water drops. BG complements the duck well and I like your comp.

Hi Daniel , I know first hand just how hard it is to get a wood duck to be still enough for a photograph . I applaud your display ,of this Natural Beauty !

Just beautiful in every way. Richard

excellent sharpness colors and portrait..lovely..

Daniel - I love the pose and the most amazing colors. Immaculate sharpness at that SS!
TFS
Hennie